Austrian public broadcaster ORF’s technical service provider subsidiary ORS is buying the terrestrial TV and radio transmitter network of Bulgarian telco Bulgarian Telecommunications Company, enabling the company to compete at an international level.

With more than 80 transmitters, the network, for which ORS is reported to have paid €80 million, provides almost complete coverage of Bulgaria. The network, which is suitable for TV, radio, voice and data transmissions, also includes a satellite teleport.

ORS wants to upgrade the network, which until now has been mainly used for analogue radio and television distribution, for digital transmissions, utilising its experiences gained through the introduction of digital terrestrial television (DTT) in Austria.

Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank, which currently owns 40% of ORS, plans to increase its stake next year to between 75 – 80%. This will provide a welcome cash injection to financially struggling ORF, which currently holds 60% in ORS.